Wegerzyn includes an outstanding example of a swamp forest community, mature woodlands along the Stillwater River, the rich aquatic life of the Stillwater River and two planted prairies.

The conservation staff at MetroParks works diligently to preserve the existing woodland through the control of honeysuckle and other invasive species that choke off and kills native plants.

The Stillwater River Corridor is maintained in a natural state and managed for invasives. The recent project to remove honeysuckle from 58 acres of this corridor and replace the honeysuckle with Ohio shrubs and trees — burr oaks, sycamores and spice bush — should provide a friendlier habitat for wildlife and improve water quality.

Surrounded by neighborhoods, lands must be protected from encroachment, misuse and overuse.

The central segment of the Stillwater River Recreation Trail passes through Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and travels north to Shoup Mill Road and Riverside Drive. To the south of Wegerzyn, at Island MetroPark, this trail connects with the Great Miami River Recreation Trail. Cyclists, runners and skaters can easily access Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark from the recreation trail, or can begin their journey on the recreation trail from the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark parking lot.

Learn more about the paved trail network.

The Arbor Garden blends roses and perennials, offering a peaceful place to stroll. Arched beech trees lead the way through formal gardens — the Federal, English and Victorian — filled with a riot of color to capture the eye. Dazzling in late winter are the blooms of witch hazel, hellebores and winter aconites, followed by bursts of spring bulbs, buds and new leaves.

That park is home to a couple of the district’s largest trees. The “Pedestal Oak” with a whopping 201-inch circumference can be found along the loop trail between the parking lot and gate entrance. Another burr oak, dubbed “Aaron Burr,” stands nearby at 110 feet tall.

Water striders can explore wet woods along the boardwalk. Visit the wet woods boardwalk and try to find little insects that seem to defy science by gliding on top of the water.

The Stillwater River is home to beavers and otters along with our state’s largest population of river redhorse, a fish sensitive to pollution that has become rare in Ohio.

Swallowtail butterflies feast on flowering asters along the river’s edge.

Over 300 large community garden plots are available on an annual basis at Wegerzyn Gardens. These 800-square-foot plots are available for growing produce to feed you and your family from April-November each year. Organic plots and organic year-round plots are also available.

Learn more about garden plot rental

Home gardeners seeking a more refined landscape will find a wealth of design ideas, wonderful plants and cultivation techniques suitable for the Miami Valley at Wegerzyn’s Formal Gardens. Gain inspiration from the unique and beautiful combinations of annuals and perennials scattered throughout the grounds. Every season has something to offer! The Formal Gardens include the following:

GARDEN GREEN

This lush expanse of lawn, with an allée of “Shawnee Brave” bald cypress, is bordered by tall yew (Taxus) hedges. Flower beds and planted limestone walls provide seasonal color.

NORTH & SOUTH PLAZAS

These elevated plazas offer excellent vistas of the garden complex and its stimulating seasonal colors.

ARBOR GARDEN

A colorful assortment of annuals, perennials and shrubs, all embraced by a traditional arbor of limestone and timber.

VICTOR RIES MEMORIAL GARDEN

Located along the woodland edge, this perennial garden is dedicated to the founder of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs.

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Over 300 garden plots are available at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Each 800-square-foot plot is $20 annually. View more information. 

MEMORY GARDEN

Many interesting and beautiful species can be found in this perennial, woodland shade garden, built in recognition of members of the Garden Club Federation – Dayton & Vicinity who have supported the development of the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.

FEDERAL GARDEN

This garden features brick paths and parterres (beds that form a pattern) in a style reminiscent of the late 18th and early 19th century American gardens. The garden is planted with historical and modern plants to evoke the period. Of special interest are the arches of European beech trained over the walks at both ends.

ENGLISH GARDEN

The design and plantings in this space are evocative of the English gardening style. The lovely wooden arch and tiered fountain are the garden’s focal points and are typical of classic English garden architecture.

VICTORIAN GARDEN

This garden echoes the gardening style popular at the end of the 19th century, when carpet bedding featured masses of plants set out in elaborate patterns. The focal point is a raised, pebble-walled bed in the shape of a star, modeled after one at the Dayton Soldier’s Home in the late 1800s.

ARBOR LAWN

This garden showcases daffodils, bearded iris, and a scarlet purple blooming red bud in the Spring; Pollinator friendly coneflowers and scented geraniums in the summer and fall; and a lush, serene landscape all summer long. Many unique specimen plants are featured in the view of this garden.

WOODLAWN GARDEN

This shade garden is comprised of spring bulbs, one of the nation’s largest collections of witch hazels, hostas, ferns and other shade-loving plants. Be sure to visit this garden as you stroll down the Marie Aull Trail.

The park was made possible by a generous donation from Benjamin Wegerzyn to the city of Dayton. His vision for a place of public enjoyment was realized in 1973 when the horticultural facility opened, becoming a part of Five Rivers MetroParks in 1993.

View park history.

Discover the Marie Aull Nature Trail, which runs approximately one mile through the Swamp Forest and natural area beyond the gardens. It’s a great place to stretch your legs while enjoying nature. In the spring, look for native woodland wildflowers blooming along the trail. The trail may be muddy or impassable during wet periods. Note: This trail is prone to mosquitoes; take appropriate precautions to prevent bites.

In addition to its developed horticultural facilities, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark contains an outstanding example of a swamp forest community, mature woodlands along the Stillwater River, rich aquatic life in the Stillwater River and two planted prairies. The Marie Aull Nature Trail is adorned by a stunning variety of trees and wildflowers, and provides many opportunities for spotting native birds and wildlife.

The Children’s Discovery Garden is designed as a child-friendly place to discover, experience and love our world through gardening. This garden contains habitat areas and whimsical themed gardens for children and their adult companions to explore together. Visitors are encouraged to visit often to see the gardens grow and change. Highlights include a limestone grotto and waterfall, music maze, wetland, pond and sensory garden.

Visit two gardens in one day! In spring when waters are higher, put in at Aullwood Garden and take out at Wegerzyn Gardens for a 5-mile long section of the beautiful Stillwater River. There are two spots on this journey that commonly require a short portage. Year-round, you can also put in at Wegerzyn for a short paddle of the river down to Island MetroPark near the confluence with the Great Miami River.

Learn more about the Stillwater River Water Trail

There’s always something in bloom somewhere in the gardens. As some plants and flowers wane, others come into bloom and color.  Gardens provide ideal spaces for capturing the beauty of plants and native wildlife through the camera’s eye. You might even get some garden ideas for your own yard! Commercial photography permits are required.

Art and nature are often intertwined. Visit and check out a living arborvitae circle sculpture. You can find this small collection of conifers in the middle of a prairie located just before the parking lot.

Picnic tables and grills are available in the shaded area south of the Children’s Discovery Garden.

This horticultural facility uses compost to build better soil and nourish plants. Compost contains a full spectrum of essential plant nutrients. Visitors to the garden get to see the benefits of the compost in the healthy and beautiful plant life, as well as a demonstration of how compost is made in the Children’s Discovery Garden. To get started composting on your own, take our free Compost Kitchen program, offered quarterly, in which you’ll learn about soil science, practical aspects of making compost and how to use it to create a sustainable growing system. 

Did you know that on average, well-designed landscaping saves enough energy to pay for itself in fewer than eight years?  Choosing the right landscaping for your climate will lower maintenance costs, cut your heating and cooling bill, protect your home from cold wind and hot sun, lower noise and air pollution and reduce your water use. Low water use gardens can be viewed at Wegerzyn Gardens.

Volunteers play a pivotal role at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers assist with youth and adult programs, special events, garden maintenance and greeting guests. They also work in the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation Gift and Garden Shop at the 2nd Street Market. 

New volunteers are always welcome! For more information, call (937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit our volunteer page.

Cross-country ski the picnic areas, open meadows and paved trails.

Garden paths and trails at Wegerzyn Gardens are open year-round but are not plowed.

Birding is a great way to learn about nature and get outside in your parks. From the young to the young at heart, people of all ages can enjoy this activity year-round. Winter in Ohio offers many opportunities to explore the woods for songbirds.